The Effect of Test Temperature on Lap Shear Test Results of Two-Component Epoxy/Metal Adhesive-Bonded Aluminum

This paper presents results of experimental investigation of shear strength and breaking elongation of adhesive single-lap joints using aluminum specimens. It was carried out in order to understand effect of temperature on the joint strength, and to compare adhesive performance with manufacturer’s specification. The adhered material used in tests was aluminum alloy 5754 in the form of thin sheets, bonded with two-component epoxy/metal adhesive intended for use with metals. This is easily weldable aluminum alloy, and usually that is the way of joining it. Therefore it is interesting to observe its behavior in case it is bonded. This is particularly interesting in cases where bonding is more viable solution than welding. Lap shear test was performed at room and elevated temperatures. It is shown that by increasing temperature shear strength significantly drops, while breaking elongation has almost the same value for all elevated temperatures.